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Sunday, November 3, 2013

Identification and control tips for Capeweed (Arctotheca calendula)



CAPEWEED

ARCTOTHECA CALENDULA

DESCRIPTION
Capeweed is a native to South Africa and is an annual herbaceous plant with a fleshy taproot system. It is a broadleaf dicotyledonous plant with a prostrate growth habit. Its green leaves are silvery white underneath. It has upright flower stems with yellow flowers and black eyes. Arctotheca calendula is a cool season weed that flowers in early spring. At the time of writing this article Capeweed is abundant in Melbourne. If it is left to go to seed it can be difficult to control.

METHOD OF SPREAD
It reproduces from seed contained in its fruit pods.

CONTROL
Hand weeding is difficult due to its robust taproot system. Solarisation or spraying with glyphosate or a selective herbicide are also possible control methods.



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